Thought I would send a personal greeting today.  So I downloaded a smiley (lol) picture to represent the warm feelings I want to convey.  As I looked at this picture, I thought, oh my goodness, look at how shiny I am.  Then, immediately, I thought, but therein lies one of nature's best beauty secrets, specifically, oily skin.  

Can we talk about that for a moment????  :o)

Oily Skin is a wrinkle's Kryptonite.  If you are in your teens, you may not think so.  I mean after all, oily skin means frequent breakouts.  All teenagers want a glowing, blemish-free complexion and that doesn't seem to accompany oily skin.  However, YOUNG LADIES, embrace your oily skin in your youth because as you age, your anti-aging regimen won't be nearly as involved as your drier skin counterparts.

Here are some important elements for treating and maintaining Oily Skin:

1.  AM and PM Daily Cleanse:  Most teenagers rush for a cleanser containing salicylic acid.  For women over 30, this ingredient might be too harsh.  A cleanser container lactic or glycolic acid is better because it contains hydrating elements to buffer the drying out elements of the acids.

2.  AM Hydrate and Protect:  (may I add, inside and out)  Drink plenty of water!!!!!  Eat whole foods, plenty of fruit and vegetables. You may have oily skin but remember OIL and MOISTURE are two different things.

After cleansing, use a SERUM and a MOISTURIZER.  A Serum works within the skin dermis to effect restoration of the skin's natural moisture barrier to provide enhance hydration and protection.  The Moisturizer which should contain a sunscreen fights premature wrinkles, offers protection from UV rays and stops hyper-pigmentation.

3.  PM only Treat:  A prescription-strength Tretinoin such as Retin-A or Veltin (a new tretinoin that contains an antibiotic for blackhead prevention) covers two key elements in treatment:  1. It fights breakouts by controlling oil production and increasing skin-cell turnover, minimizing the potential for clogged pores.  2. That speedy turnover provides anti-aging benefits, helping skin tone appear more even.  Retinol is the over-the-counter cousin.  Does the same job, just slower. 

4.  AM only Conceal and Heal:  For those agonizing breakouts - Use a mattifying- lotion or a makeup primer after the sunscreen Moisturizer and that will control the shine throughout the day.  Adding a drop of oil-free tea tree oil to your favorite foundation or using a oil-free treatment foundation will help in fighting acne.

I like to put a little drop of Rosemary Oil in my concealer.  I apply it with a little makeup brush which I use exclusively for this purpose.  Do not get this in or near the eyes.

5.  PM  Boost Eye Moisture:  The skin around and underneath the eyes is thinner and probably not oily, especially in over-30 skin.  ALWAYS moisturize the eye area!!!!  

6.  AM or PM Exfoliate:  For skin prone to breakouts, most experts suggest a chemical exfoliator with glycolic, lactic or salicyclic acid rather than a physical exfoliator, such as a scrub.  A scrub usually contains granules which can irritate pimples, making them slower to heal.  However, Natural Exfoliators such as Coffee, Sugar, Baking Soda, Oatmeal and Cornmeal used in a carrier oil such as Coconut Oil, Olive Oil and Jojoba are excellent.  Just DON'T scrub hard.

7.  Weekly Deep Clean:  I love Natural Clay such as, Queen Helene's Mint Julep Masque.  It contains Sulfur which helps kill bacteria.  A clay mask, used once absorbs excess oils thereby preventing blackheads and whiteheads and soothes irritation.

Wow, just think, I just wanted to say hello on a rainy Sunday.

God bless you!  TTYL

Michèle